The conversation around diversity has been intensifying lately, making everyone think about its importance in all areas of life. One recent topic of discussion? The iconic 90s sitcom Friends.
Quinta Brunson, known for her role in Abbott Elementary, recently pointed out Friends for its lack of diversity. While hosting Saturday Night Live, Brunson used her monologue to highlight the absence of Black characters in the beloved show.
Brunson contrasted the diversity on Abbott Elementary, which features the lives of teachers in a predominantly Black, state-funded elementary school in Philadelphia, with the noticeable lack of diversity on Friends. The difference was strikingly evident.
With her well-known wit, she joked: “I wanted to be on SNL back in the day, but the audition process seemed long – so instead, I just created my own TV show, made sure it became really popular, won a bunch of Emmys, and then got asked to host. So much easier, so much easier.”
While the audience chuckled, the underlying point was clear. Brunson continued, “It’s a network sitcom like, say, Friends. Except, instead of being about a group of friends, it’s about a group of teachers. Instead of New York, it’s in Philadelphia, and instead of not having Black people, it does.”
Her playful commentary sparked serious reflection, even from Friends co-creator Marta Kauffman. Kauffman has publicly expressed embarrassment over the show’s lack of diversity and pledged $4 million to support African and African-American studies at a university.
“I’ve learned a lot in the last 20 years,” Kauffman admitted. “Admitting and accepting guilt is not easy. It’s painful looking at yourself in the mirror. I’m embarrassed that I didn’t know better 25 years ago.”
She added, “It took me a long time to begin to understand how I internalized systemic racism. I’ve been working really hard to become an ally, an anti-racist. And this seemed to me to be a way that I could participate in the conversation from a white woman’s perspective.”
The discussion around diversity is far from over, but it’s clear that the conversation has advanced—even for a cherished sitcom like Friends.
A mother and son’s wedding dance was so outrageous and entertaining that you’ll find yourself wishing they were part of your own family
At a Houston wedding celebration, the bride’s new husband and mother-in-law stunned everyone with their dance routines, leaving the bride dumbfounded. The entire crowd cheered as the groom and his mother performed a fantastic choreographed act while the DJ dropped the beat. They were swaying and bouncing all over the dance floor with their exuberant movements and flawless comedic timing.
Mom, who matched her son’s exuberant movements with an exquisite floor-length gown, stole the show. As they danced, frequently losing their composure to giggle together, the happiness glowed from them both. Their jovial rapport was infectious, making everyone in the room smile.
But the good times didn’t end there! Halfway through, Mom pulled back elegantly to let her kid steal the show with a ridiculous solo. He elevated the proceedings with his wild dancing, hip-shaking, robot act, and even worm routine, eliciting wild cheers and acclaim from the attendees. The bride was so amused by her husband’s ridiculous performance that she was doubling over with laughter.
In a thrilling reunion, Mom showed her son that she could still keep up with him. Their radiant smiles conveyed how happy they were to be enjoying this unique occasion. They gave each other a heartfelt embrace as the song came to a conclusion, expressing their love for one another.
This was definitely not a traditional mother-son dance. Instead of going with a melancholic, slow waltz, they went with a lively, humorous celebration. Their readiness to have fun and be foolish created the ideal atmosphere for a happy wedding.
This mother-son dance is funny, and you won’t want to miss it!
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